Getting Around

Bicycle Hire

Bicycles are plentiful in Berlin - the flat terrain and extensive network of bicycle paths make cycling in the city a pleasure. Bicycle hire is available from Berlin by bike-Fahrradstation (tel: 0180 510 8000; www.fahrradstation.de), which has offices throughout the city.

Public Transport

Berlin has a highly integrated transport system comprising U-Bahn (underground), S-Bahn (commuter rail), bus and tram services, with easy connections to regional and mainline rail services.

There are nine U-Bahn lines, 15 S-Bahn lines and 27 tram routes (the latter in east Berlin only). Bus services crisscross the city. Tickets are priced for either two or three zones - almost all visitors will use the AB tariff (though note that Schönefeld Airport lies just within zone C). The City Tour Card combines transport in zones A and B and an advantage card for around 50 tourist attractions.

Taxis

Taxis in Berlin are plentiful, cheap and scrupulously honest. It is standard practice to simply round up the price to the nearest euro, though for longer journeys, add a couple. Taxis can be ordered from Taxi-Funk Berlin (tel: (030) 443 322) and Würfelfunk (tel: (030) 210 101).

Driving in the City

Berlin has an excellent public transport system, so it should not be necessary to drive in the city. The city centre is now a 'Particle Free Emission' area and drivers must display a specially approved sticker or risk a fine. The ticket is available from Umwelt Plakette (www.umwelt-plakette.de).

Car Hire

All of the major car hire firms are represented in Berlin and all have multiple locations throughout the city. Some of the most central are Avis (tel: (030) 230 9370; www.avis.com) and Europcar (tel: (030) 240 7900; www.europcar.de). Drivers must be over 23 years old and require a valid national driving licence.